Communities and Justice

Regional Caseworker

  • Our staff detail how living regionally offers a strong community, a slower pace, and the perfect work–life balance

    Caseworkers working in regional NSW

    Our staff detail how living regionally offers a strong community, a slower pace, and the perfect work–life balance

    Transcript

    I really couldn’t imagine living or working anywhere else. After a long day, I know I can go for a walk along the beach and try not to bring work home with me if I spend an hour in nature.

    I enjoy living regionally because I have a really strong community around me. Being able to go out and do things after work makes such a difference — you step out of the hustle and bustle of the city and can slow down and enjoy a more relaxed pace of life.

    Living regionally also reminds me of where I come from. Driving through the countryside, seeing the animals and houses, it’s just amazing. I feel very connected and respected, and that’s why I choose to live in this area. Give it a go.

What is it like to live and work regionally?

"I’ve always been someone who embraces new challenges and values both personal and professional growth.  Working in a regional area has allowed me to build stability in my life, while still offering opportunities to grow and develop. There are wide range of career paths available, and I’ve found that regional roles often come with unique challenges that help me stretch my skills and continue evolving."

- Emmanuel, Caseworker

Role overview

Caseworkers employed by DCJ build relationships with children, young people, and their families and carers to influence change and bring about support, protection, and safety.

Being a regional caseworker builds stronger relationships with clients and community partners, and offers more varied work and increased opportunities to extend your knowledge and skills across a range of casework and all the benefits of regional life. 

Whether you’re looking for a career in your local region or considering a move to the country, we have many vacancies throughout the following regional NSW locations: 

  • Hunter
  • New England
  • Murrumbidgee, Far West and Western NSW
  • Southern NSW
  • Northern NSW.

Key skills

  • open and honest, express your views, and be willing to accept change
  • provide customer-focused services in line with organisational objectives
  • collaborate with others and value their contribution
  • think, analyse, and consider the broader context to develop practical solutions
  • understand and use computers and communication technologies.

Role requirements

The necessary qualifications, experience and qualities considered for the role include tertiary qualifications in a Social Work, Psychology, Social Science Welfare, or related discipline with demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development and a current driver’s licence.

If you identify as Aboriginal, a degree is not required as we value your experience within the community. You will need to have a diploma and/or at least 2 years community experience working with Aboriginal families and young people.

The Welcome Experience

There are great opportunities for Caseworkers in regional NSW. Whether you’re relocating from a metro area or starting your career, support is available to make the move smooth.

The Welcome Experience, an NSW Government initiative, helps essential workers and their families settle into regional life and work. You’ll receive tailored advice, concierge-style support, and a Local Connector who can guide you to the right services and community contacts.

You can learn more about the Welcome Experience here. 

  • Discover opportunity, lifestyle, and balance in regional NSW.

    Jordan: living and working regionally

    Discover opportunity, lifestyle, and balance in regional NSW.

    Transcript

    What I enjoy most about living in regional New South Wales is the lifestyle. After a long day, I know I can go for a walk along the beach and let nature help me unwind.

    I love my town — you can go for a bush walk, hit the beach, or enjoy so many great restaurants. Where we live has so much potential and plenty of opportunities.

    At the end of the day, you’re not too far from the city, so you can travel on the weekend and still enjoy a great work–life balance. I’d just say — give it a go.

Additional information

Pre-employment checks

Pre-employment checks are a critical part of the Community Services recruitment process and include a national criminal history record check (for external candidates), an NSW Working with Children Check clearance, and other reference and conduct checks.

Frequently asked questions

This page includes a series of questions that are commonly asked by applicants and cover topics including role requirements, the selection process and much more.

Frequently asked questions.

About Community Services

Community Services is part of the Child Protection, Permanency, Districts and Youth Justice division under the Department of Communities and Justice. Community Services works in collaboration with government, non-government, and community partners to improve the lives of children, adults, families, and communities who often experience disadvantage and live in varied and challenging circumstances.

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